Michael Jackson House Shopping in S. Fla.

Michael Jackson is house shopping in south Florida, and recently toured a 17,000-square-foot mansion on the market for $45 million, his real estate broker said Wednesday.

The reclusive pop star decided against the luxury beachfront dwelling, said broker James Meiskin, of New York. He said he expects Jackson will decide whether to buy a home in the area in the next few months.

"He's always enjoyed the state of Florida," Meiskin said. "We're considering many options."

Real estate agent Nadine House, who represents the mansion's owners, said she initially didn't believe Meiskin when he told her who wanted to see the house late last month.

"I was in trauma shock. … I never thought that Michael Jackson would ever think of coming to Palm Beach," she said.

Accompanied by six security guards, Jackson arrived two hours late for the visit, House said.

"I was sitting there fuming," she said, but she was charmed by Jackson's multiple apologies.

"He acted like a real gentleman," she said.

But House said she knew it would be a tough sale _ Jackson was more interested in relaxing on a couch and watching a TV show about the Academy Awards.

Jackson also seemed fascinated with the seagulls flying over the 4.6-acre grounds, House said.

"He was calling the birds, running around in the yard after them," she said. "He would then laugh and say, 'I'm sorry.'"